West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service was called to the Gribble Inn, Oving near Chichester yesterday (Thursday 27 February).
The building had been vacated before 10 fire engines attended the incident with no injuries reported.
Residents were urged to keep doors and windows shut, the high street was also closed and people were told to avoid the area.
Under control
Fire crews have now been scaled down with the emergency service remaining on the scene, dampening down hot spots after working through the night to bring the blaze under control.
This morning (Friday 28 February), the fire service advised people to remain away from the area.
The last social media post from the fire service said the blaze was under control.
A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said: “Yesterday (Thursday 27 February) at 5.38pm, we were called to a fire at a pub in Gribble Lane, Oving.
“Upon arrival crews were faced with a large fire, with the roof space of the thatched public house fully involved in the fire.”
Significant damage
The spokesperson added: “Everyone left the premises prior to the arrival of fire crews and there were no injuries reported.
“At the height of the incident, we had 10 fire engines and two aerial ladder platforms at the scene, and residents living nearby were urged to keep their doors and windows closed due to the amount of smoke in the area.
“Crews worked hard throughout the night to bring the fire under control, but unfortunately there has been significant damage to the building.
“Today (Friday 28 February), our resources have been scaled down and we currently have two fire engines and an aerial ladder platform at the scene. Firefighters are dampening down hotspots to ensure the fire is fully extinguished.”
